Autonomous UVC Decontamination Apparatus for Shielded Surface Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UVC disinfection technologies face challenges in ensuring all surfaces in healthcare facilities are adequately exposed to UVC light for effective pathogen reduction, due to labor-intensive and time-consuming manual processes, especially in rooms with varied layouts and furniture shapes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a motorized decontamination apparatus with adjustable UVC bulbs and sensors that automatically reposition to expose surfaces to UVC light, while sensors detect and report intensity levels in real-time to optimize disinfection, allowing for data collection and analysis to improve disinfection efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual disinfection processes are used to ensure all surfaces are exposed to UVC light, then pathogen reduction effectiveness is improved, but labor intensity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The decontamination apparatus autonomously navigates and positions itself to expose all surfaces to UVC light without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the disinfection process by automatically moving to different locations and orientations, eliminating the need for continuous human operation while maintaining thorough pathogen reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated motorized system. The apparatus uses motors and sensors to automatically navigate, position, and orient itself for optimal UVC exposure of all surfaces, substituting human labor with an automated electromechanical system that reduces time consumption while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
2Reliability
If manual disinfection processes are used to ensure all surfaces are exposed to UVC light, then pathogen reduction effectiveness is improved, but labor intensity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decontamination apparatus autonomously navigates and positions itself to expose all surfaces to UVC light without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages the disinfection process by automatically moving to different locations and orientations, eliminating the need for continuous human operation while maintaining thorough pathogen reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated motorized system. The apparatus uses motors and sensors to automatically navigate, position, and orient itself for optimal UVC exposure of all surfaces, substituting human labor with an automated electromechanical system that reduces time consumption while maintaining disinfection effectiveness.
3Device complexity
If stationary UVC sources are used for disinfection, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to decontaminate shielded surfaces decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the stationary UVC source into a dynamic, mobile system. The decontamination apparatus incorporates motors that enable it to move autonomously to different locations and adjust its orientation. This dynamic capability allows the system to reach previously inaccessible shielded surfaces while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into modular components including separate propulsion mechanisms, UVC emission units, and control systems. This segmentation allows the apparatus to navigate complex environments and access shielded surfaces from multiple angles, enhancing adaptability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures thorough and efficient pathogen reduction on surfaces by autonomously moving UVC bulbs to shielded areas, providing real-time data for improved disinfection protocols, reducing labor and time, and ensuring all surfaces receive a sufficient UVC dose for effective disinfection.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of UVC bulbs that each emit UVC light
Implementation Method 2
expose entire rooms, in which the high touch surfaces reside, to disinfection technologies that employ high doses of ultraviolet light in the C spectrum, UVC
Implementation Method 3
sensors that, in real time, detect and provide meaningful data on the intensity experienced at given points
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a decontamination apparatus that includes a motorized base with a transport system that is operable to autonomously move the decontamination apparatus. A plurality of UVC bulbs, each of which emits UVC light, are supported at a vertical elevation above the motorized base. A controller controls operation of the transport system to move the decontamination apparatus along a desired route while the UVC bulbs are energized during a decontamination process.